Dartford members' allowances will not rise

DARTFORD Council has said councillors will not receive any more money for their allowances this year.

Leader Councillor Jeremy Kite has confirmed his group will once again accept no rise in members’ allowances as part of the 2014 council budget and is hopeful colleagues across the chamber will follow suit.

It is currently proposed council staff will receive pay increases of one per cent with effect from April 1.

Councillor Kite said: "I’m very proud members of all parties on this council have shown great restraint in their allowances in the last few years and I’m asking them once again to put the taxpayers’ interests first.

"We should be focusing on our services.

"I honestly believe everyone here, regardless of their party, wants to do the best for our town and I’m confident they will agree with another year of restraint."